Sri Lanka Cricket breaks silence after Manjot Kalra’s arrest, vows zero tolerance for corruption | Cricket News

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has reaffirmed its “zero-tolerance” stance on corruption after former India Under-19 World Cup winner and Jaffna Kings co-owner Manjot Kalra was arrested on allegations of trying to lure a player into corrupt practices during the Lanka Premier League (LPL).In a statement issued hours after Kalra’s arrest on Friday, the island nation’s cricket board said the ongoing investigation would not affect the conduct of the LPL and pledged “full cooperation” with the Police Special Investigation Unit (SIU) for the Prevention of Crimes Related to Sports.“Sri Lanka Cricket, together with the Lanka Premier League 2026, will extend its full cooperation to the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) for the Prevention of Crimes Related to Sports should any assistance be sought in relation to any question arising from the matter,” SLC said.The board emphasized that the five-team tournament, which started on Friday at the SSC Grounds in Colombo, will go ahead as scheduled.

SLC reiterates its zero-tolerance policy

Reaffirming its commitment to protect the integrity of the competition, the SLC said it will not tolerate corruption, misconduct or foul play by any stakeholder associated with the league.“As the governing body of the Lanka Premier League 2026, Sri Lanka Cricket reiterates its unwavering commitment to protect the integrity of the tournament and will not tolerate any form of corruption, misconduct, or foul play by any stakeholder associated with the league,” the statement read.The board added that several safeguards were put in place before the tournament began.According to the SLC, its Anti-Corruption Unit is working with the government’s SIU to strengthen the league’s anti-corruption framework. It has also appointed Integrity Mentors, an independent anti-corruption and sports integrity organisation, to provide specialist integrity support and education throughout the competition.“Sri Lanka Cricket has a zero-tolerance approach to corruption and unethical practices and will ensure that all necessary steps are taken to protect the integrity of the Lanka Premier League 2026,” the board added.

Kalra was remanded in judicial custody

Kalra, 27, was taken into SIU custody and later produced before a magistrate, who remanded him in judicial custody till July 31, according to local media reports.Another Indian national, identified as Yuvraj Pushpa, was also arrested in connection with the case and remanded after being produced in court, according to news agency PTI.Police said Kalra tried to offer money to a player associated with the Lankan Premier League. Reports in Sri Lanka said the complaint was filed by Jaffna Kings players Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Avishka Fernando and Dunith Wellalage, prompting an anti-corruption investigation.Kalra rose to prominence in 2018 when he hit an unbeaten 101 in the ICC Under-19 World Cup final against Australia, guiding India, led by Prithvi Shaw, to the title. The squad also features upcoming India internationals Shubman Gill, Arshdeep Singh and Shivam Mavi.After stepping away from professional cricket, Kalra turned to sports entrepreneurship and became an investor in the Jaffna Kings franchise earlier this year.His arrest came on the opening day of the Lanka Premier League, where Jaffna Kings were scheduled to face Galle Gallants. While the investigation continues, Sri Lanka Cricket has made it clear that the tournament will continue without interruption, insisting that strong anti-corruption measures remain in place to protect the league’s credibility.